Childhood Education (B.A.); with endorsement in Elementary & Special Education

The B.A. in Childhood Education prepares students to become teachers licensed in both Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-8). With careful planning, a full-time student can complete the degree and earn both licensure endorsements in just four years. Graduates who successfully complete the degree become candidates for a Level I Professional Educator’s License issued by the Vermont Agency of Education. This license is required in order to work as a public school teacher in Vermont; it also is recognized and accepted by more than 40 other states, districts and territories.

Through courses and practicum experiences, students learn the theories, research, standards and practices that provide a solid foundation for educators who are passionate about teaching, inclusive and progressive in their practices, modern and up to date in their techniques, and committed to social equity and the delivery of education to diverse learners. Careful attention is given to the growth of children as individuals whose perceptions, interests, joys, strengths and challenges are formed within a community and through meaningful engagement with others.

Students who intend to teach in grades K-6 must declare Childhood Education as their academic major and apply to JSC’s Teacher Education Program in Inclusive Elementary Education after completing their first education course. Important: Declaring a major in Childhood Education is not the same as being accepted into this Teacher Education Program; see Applying to a Teacher Education Program at JSC below.

Most courses must be taken in a specific order; students should check advisement forms, program evaluations and prerequisites for details. Students must earn a B- or better in all courses with an EDU designator.

In addition to the Education courses listed above, all Childhood Education majors must complete the Elementary Education Liberal Arts & Sciences Concentration. This concentration is divided into two areas: Quantitative & Causative Studies (9-10 credits) and Humanities & Cultural Studies (21 credits). Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in this concentration to be eligible for a Level 1 Professional Educator’s License.

A Note About General Education Requirements

All undergraduates must complete the JSC General Education Curriculum. Students who thoughtfully select courses for the Elementary Education Liberal Arts & Sciences Concentration will be able to meet the “Integrative Perspectives” component of the General Education Curriculum without taking additional courses. In addition, Childhood Education majors are encouraged to take the following courses to meet the “Foundational Skills” component of the General Education Curriculum in order to avoid the need to take additional courses later in their program.